In response to rising tensions and fears of an Iranian attack on Israel, the United States, a key ally of Israel, is significantly bolstering its military presence in the Middle East. The US is deploying new submarines and fast warships to the region. This move follows a phone conversation between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israel's Defense Minister Yoav Galant, addressing the perceived threat from Iran.
The Pentagon has announced that the USS Georgia, a nuclear-powered submarine equipped with cruise missiles, is being dispatched to the Middle East. The USS Georgia was previously engaged in exercises near Italy and operating in the Mediterranean. Additionally, Secretary Austin has ordered the USS Abraham Lincoln and F-35C fighter jets to be sent to the region. A replacement warship for the USS Abraham Lincoln will be deployed swiftly to the area.
The movements of U.S. missile submarines are typically shrouded in secrecy, with their operations rarely disclosed to the public. The announcement of the USS Georgia's deployment is seen as a direct message to Iran and its affiliated groups, signaling the U.S.'s serious stance on regional tensions.
According to the BBC, the increased military presence by the U.S. aims to safeguard both Israeli and American interests amid fears of escalating regional conflict. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin emphasized the readiness to take all necessary measures to protect allies.
The situation has been further complicated by recent events: Hamas leader Ismail Haniya was killed in Tehran on July 31 during the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Massoud Pezeshkian. Iran has accused Israel of the assassination and has threatened retaliation, prompting concerns of an imminent attack.
Moreover, Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed Lebanese militant group, might also target Israel. The killing of Hezbollah leader Fouad Shukhar in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut just hours before Haniya’s death has heightened fears of wider conflict. The U.S. aims to bolster Israel's defenses in this volatile environment.
Georgetown University professor Mehran Kamrava suggested that the U.S. might be publicly deploying submarines to deter Iran and Hezbollah, possibly indicating that Iran is contemplating further actions.
Hezbollah has already started attacking Israel, with around 30 rockets fired from Lebanon on Sunday evening. While some rockets landed without causing injuries, Hezbollah claimed the attacks were in support of Palestinians and retaliation for the Israeli strike on Lebanon.
In parallel with its military buildup, the U.S. is pursuing diplomatic efforts to achieve a cease-fire in Gaza. The Biden administration believes that negotiating the release of hostages held by Hamas could help reduce tensions. Last Thursday, the U.S. called for cease-fire negotiations, and on Friday, leaders from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar urged Israel and Hamas to reach a cease-fire and hostage-release agreement by August 15.
However, on Sunday night, Hamas responded by demanding that Israel implement the three-phase cease-fire plan proposed by President Joe Biden, stating that they would not propose any new cease-fire terms. Hamas accused Israel of not being serious about the agreement.
While the U.S. has previously blamed Hamas for the breakdown of cease-fire talks, Israeli media now report that U.S. authorities are also attributing some blame to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Biden administration has suggested that Netanyahu’s resistance to the deal may be an attempt to appease right-wing coalition leaders in Israel, marking the first time the White House has publicly criticized Israel’s ruling coalition leaders.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has urged Israel to resist U.S. pressure for a ceasefire, arguing that such action would amount to capitulating to Hamas. In response, White House national security spokesman John Kirby has dismissed Smotrich's claims as false.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany have also called for the resumption of ceasefire negotiations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have emphasized that the ceasefire must be implemented without further delay. They have stated that they are working with all parties to ease tensions and ensure stability, without making concessions.
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